Red Bull’s Troubles at the Bahrain Grand Prix

The Bahrain Grand Prix was a challenging event for Red Bull, with Max Verstappen finishing sixth and losing ground to Lando Norris. Despite the seemingly close finish, the reality is far from ideal for the team. “Everything that could go wrong has gone wrong,” Verstappen lamented after the race. Instead of competing against the top teams, Red Bull found itself battling Haas and Alpine, a fact acknowledged by Helmut Marko.

The Future Outlook for Red Bull

While Jeddah may offer improved conditions for Red Bull due to less tire degradation and suitable corner layouts, the team should not lose sight of the broader picture. The Bahrain Grand Prix served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, and regardless of the outcome in Jeddah, it presents a worrying prospect for the future.

Can Lando Norris Regain His Title Favourite Status?

Initially, the question was whether Piastri could challenge Norris, but after impressive performances in the opening rounds, the focus has shifted. Piastri appears more comfortable with the McLaren MCL25 and demonstrates a consistent performance that could make him a strong title contender. If Norris wants to reclaim his championship favourite status, he must minimize mistakes and strive for consistency.

Can George Russell Stay Close to McLaren?

With three podiums in four rounds and an impressive showing in Bahrain, George Russell has been one of the standout drivers this season. Although his title ambitions are not yet being discussed, he is not far behind Verstappen in the standings. If Red Bull continues to struggle, Russell could soon find himself leading the chasing pack behind McLaren.

The Rising Star: Haas in the Midfield Battle

Despite a shaky start at the Australian Grand Prix, Haas has quickly bounced back and scored points in every race since, including double points finishes in China and Bahrain. While the team admits they haven’t fully solved their aerodynamic issues, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit will provide a significant test for the Haas VF-25.

Can Tsunoda Close the Gap to Verstappen?

Despite a decent performance in Bahrain, Tsunoda is still struggling to keep pace with Verstappen. A better grid position would help him explore the limits of his new car more effectively, but so far he’s been stuck behind slower cars. He must make further progress in Jeddah if he wants to close the gap to his teammate.